The new season marks a fresh chapter in Nortje’s journey. With a full-time contract extending to 2026, he is fully committed to donning the Green and Gold and relishing the chance to play before passionate fans worldwide.
As the HSBC SVNS season approaches, Blitzbok star Quewin Nortje is back with renewed energy, eagerly anticipating his return to the field.
Reflecting on his journey, Nortje recalls his first steps into the Springbok Sevens setup just a year ago – a period filled with nerves, excitement, and a commitment to make the most of his opportunity. His dedication paid off, with Nortje quickly emerging as a standout player, netting an impressive 18 tries in six tournaments and earning a nomination for World Rugby’s SVNS Breakthrough Player of the Year.
However, Nortje, a 21-year-old with a modest attitude and extraordinary speed, insists that his success was always a team effort, an embodiment of the Blitzbok spirit. “The willingness to work as hard as you can for a teammate and to put him in a better position is something that is part and parcel of being a Blitzbok,” he said.
“That will never change.”
The new season marks a fresh chapter in Nortje’s journey. With a full-time contract extending to 2026, he is fully committed to donning the Green and Gold and relishing the chance to play before passionate fans worldwide.
“It’s an incredible feeling, playing all over the world with South Africans cheering you on, and, of course, the energy of Cape Town crowds is something else,” he shared.
After an Olympic bronze medal last season, Nortje returned from a recent ankle injury, rehabbed, refreshed and ready to take on new challenges. The injury, he reflects, not only strengthened him physically but also helped him look to the future.
“My ankle is feeling great now,” he said. “We were proud of that medal in Paris, but that’s behind us. Our goal now is to consistently be a top-two contender in every tournament, and for that, we’re putting in the hard work.”
This weekend, Nortje and his teammates will get their first taste of competition for the season at the News 24 Faster Forward Sevens tournament at Stellenbosch’s Markötter Stadium.
Fielding two squads – SA Sevens and SA Invitational – the Blitzboks will face off against a range of teams, including the Wits Barbarians and the Chicago Bulls. The event promises high-intensity games, with live streaming provided by Rugbypass.
The pool matches begin Saturday, leading to knockout rounds on Sunday. For Nortje and the Blitzboks, this tournament is just the beginning of a season full of promise, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Pools for the News 24 Faster Forward Sevens Tournament:
Pool A: Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS), Chicago Bulls, SA Invitational, Scorpions
Pool B: SA All Stars, Dragons, Western Province (WP), Bomb Squad
Pool C: SA Sevens, Wits Barbarians, Gel Squad, Jaguars
Pool D: Mauritius, Macassar, Forward Legends, Assassins
